The Esteemed Actress Reveals Recollection Challenges Yet Retains The Bard's Lines.
The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of growing older on her vision and memory, revealing she often struggles to remember immediate plans – but can effortlessly recite extensive passages of the Bard's work.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to a magazine.
Her assistants verified that such reminders are at times necessary. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even when up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's a crusher," she remarked, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can at least hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the festive period.
On Friends and Exoneration
The star also discussed staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."
In recent months, Dench said she needs constant help in public to avoid falling over due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it."
"It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script."
Her last film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
Dench still appears frequently in public, however, such as at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. She noted she could not see the final artwork, but would feel it "if they let me."
